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With more than 64 urban populations over 1 million, increasing incomes, the highest GDPs in Mainland China, and a taste for imported wines, South China offers high potential for U.S. wine exporters willing to pursue long-term marketing strategies.
Foreign Agricultural Service
25 February 2011
China Wine Market

With more than 64 urban populations over 1 million, increasing incomes, the highest GDPs in Mainland China, and a taste for imported wines, South China offers high potential for U.S. wine exporters willing to pursue long-term marketing strategies.

THIS REPORT CONTAINS ASSESSMENTS OF COMMODITY AND TRADE ISSUES MADE
BY USDA STAFF AND NOT NECESSARILY STATEMENTS OF OFFICIAL U.S.
GOVERNMENT POLICY
Voluntary - Public
Date: 12/21/2010
GAIN Report Number: CH10607
China - Peoples Republic of
Post: Guangzhou
The South China Wine Market
Report Categories:
Market Development Reports
Approved By:
Jorge, Sanchez
Prepared By:
Vivian Xian
Report Highlights:
With more than 64 urban populations over 1 million, increasing incomes, the highest GDPs in Mainland
China, and a taste for imported wines, South China offers high potential for U.S. wine exporters willing to
pursue long-term marketing strategies.
General Information:
Overview
The fast growing middle class and the youth (in particular the first generation of only-children reaching their
early thirties) are quickly acquiring an interest in imported wine in South China?s major cities. In 2009, $26
million worth of U.S. wine entered South China ports accounting for 32 percent of total U.S. wine imports.
South China?s per capita wine consumption (1.3 liters per capita) is significantly above the national average
(0.8 liter per capita), and has experienced consecutive year-on-year double digit growth for the past 5 years.
H.S. code: 2204.2100
The main South China ports for imported wine include Gua
Tariff: 14 percent (bottled wines)
ngzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, and Xiamen, all of which have state-
Value added tax (VAT): 17 percent
of-the-art climate and humidity controlled bonded wine
Consumption tax: 10 percent
warehouses.
The South China Market
Wine is associated with social status in both first tier markets and newly emerging cities in South China.
Imported wines are mostly consumed in hotels and restaurants while retail accounts for about 20 percent of
total imported bottle wine sales. South China consumers prefer red wine which dominates nearly 80 percent
of wine consumption. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most popular wine variety and accounts for 40 percent of
market share, while Riesling and sparkling wine are other popular varieties. Most consumers prefer a fruity
taste, less tannins, and long-lasting flavors. Business banquets, family and friend gatherings, and gift giving
are where imported wines are consumed the most in South China. South China consumers tend to choose
wines based on the type of occasion, with higher budgeted wines for business banquets and gift giving.
Low-priced wines with retail values of $3-9 (RMB20-60) per bottle are mainly domestically produced.
Entry-level wines cost $9-30 (RMB60-200) per bottle at the retail level. For premium wines, retail prices
vary between $30-60 (RMB200-400) per bottle. A few high-end domestically produced wines compete
fiercely with imports on the entry-level and premium price levels. Ultra-premium and collection wines priced
from $60 (RMB400) per bottle to anywhere upwards are dominated by France. In supermarkets, the most
popular wines sell for $6-9 (RMB40-60) per bottle, while in wine shops and restaurants the most popular
wines sell for $15-45 (RMB100-300) per bottle. With a growing market, more overseas wineries are
pursuing opportunities in South China.
Competition
Similar to other major markets in China, domestic wines comprise most of the share. International
competition comes from France, Australia, Chile, Italy, Spain, Argentina, Germany, South Africa, and New
Zealand. French, Australian, and Chilean producers have taken the lead in promoting their brands and
varietals. French wine in particular has enjoyed consumer recognition in South China for many years, while
others, such as Australian and Italian wines have grown in popularity in recent years. However, most
consumers know little about American wine.
Distribution
Similar to other imported food and beverages, importers, distributors, and wholesalers are typically involved
in supplying imported wines to the retail and HRI (hotel, restaurant, and institutional) sector. With the
exception of large importers that have offices in major cities, there are also small players in South China.
The leading distributors usually show no interest in taking on new labels unless they are a sure bet and
receive significant marketing support from the winery. Small traders are more open to carrying new labels,
but typically have limited capacity and resources to cover the entire South China market region.
Encouraged by the strong demand for imported wines, several bonded wine warehouses with modern climate
and humidity-controlled facilities have been constructed in major South China ports of Guangzhou,
Shenzhen, and Zhuhai in anticipation of more imported wines entering the market. Many of these bonded
wine warehouses are owned by importers who can provide one-stop services to cooperating wineries
including customs clearance, logistics, temperature controlled warehousing, product display areas, as well as
a distribution network. In addition to regular storage fees, wineries pay a commission based on actual sales
or a pre-negotiated fee.
Since Hong Kong abolished tariffs on imported wines in June 2008, more specialty wines enter South China
through grey channels, given their high prices. However, most wines enter through normal channels.
How to Market
Given the immature yet competitive market situation in South China, U.S. wineries need to be willing to
pursue long-term development strategies. The selection of a suitable importer and distributor is key to
establishing a foothold in South China. Traders in South China have come up with three main strategies for
overseas wineries entering the market: quality, education (wine storage, tasting notes, and pairing
suggestions), and active promotion through exhibitions, wine tasting events, and wine dinners. In addition,
product image is an important component of successful marketing strategies. U.S. wineries should understand
product packaging preferences of South China consumers and coordinate marketing efforts around major
holidays and gift giving seasons.
Major wine importers regularly organize wine tasting events and dinners accompanied by fine wine
selections. On occasion, international wine makers personally promote their products, however to date,
American wine producers have maintained a low profile in South China. Wine traders in South China
suggest that American themed promotions, set-meals paired with a certain wine as a promotional menu item,
and winemaker dinners have proved to be effective promotional activities. To pair American wines with
South China cuisine is also a good approach as South China cuisine enjoys a nationwide reputation.
Generally, new drinkers adhere to general rules ? white wine with white meat and red wine with red meat.
However, one wine specialist suggests some pairing tips such as Cantonese dim sum with Sauvignon Blanc,
Riesling or Pinot Noir; for barbeque pork, Syrah would be a good match; and sparkling wine or Riesling can
go well with steamed fish.
Additional Resources
The Pearl River Delta American Wine Import Association is a new organization that promises to be the most
valuable resource linking U.S. wine to the Pearl River Delta. Launched by the United States Agricultural
Trade Office (ATO) in Guangzhou, the Association has the ambitious, long-term goal of overtaking the
competition through a re-envisioned, unified marketing campaign. This campaign will lead an unprecedented
joint U.S. wine promotion geared toward South China?s hotels, restaurants, institutional, and retail trade as
well as reaching out to consumers through targeted media campaigns. It will encompass a series of
promotions such as participation in trade events, tastings, pairings, and the strategic use of traditional and
new media. For more information and to become a member please send an email to
ATOGuangzhou@fas.usda.gov.